Conversation Starters: Our Need for Purpose
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: God gives gifts, and He knows exactly what you need. You may not know it at the time, but the gifts He gives—spiritual gifts—are perfect for you. You might wonder at first how you’ll use it, but God has a plan for you and your gift. And He expects you to use it. Our God given gifts serve as a good reminder that we were lovingly created us for a purpose.
Concept: Our Need for Purpose
Preschool
John 21:1-14
LIFE POINT: Peter, John, and some other disciples went fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They fished all night but caught nothing. A man on shore called to them, “Have you caught any fish?” “No,” the helpers answered. “Throw your net on the right side of the boat,” the man said. The fishermen threw their net, but when they tried to pull up the net, it was so full of fish they could not lift it into the boat! John
said, “That man is Jesus!” Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. The other men brought in the boat and the fish. The men saw a fire, cooking fish and bread. Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you have caught. The net was full of 153 large fish! “Come and eat breakfast,” Jesus said. He gave bread and fish to His friends.
LIVE IT OUT: Put some plastic fish in a tub of water. Give your child an aquarium net to catch the fish. Comment that Jesus helped His friends catch some fish.
Kids
Acts 1:4-11
LIFE POINT: Jesus told the believers to stay in Jerusalem. He wanted them to wait for the Holy Spirit that God had promised to send. The men asked Jesus, “Will You restore Your kingdom now?” Jesus said to the believers, “It is not for you to know the times God has set. You will receive power from the Holy Spirit. Go to all parts of the worlds and tell others about me.” Then Jesus was taken up into heaven while the people watched. A cloud covered Him, but the people kept watching. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood by the people. They told the people, “Why are you looking into heaven? Jesus has been taken into heaven. But He will come back in the same way you have seen Him leave.” Jesus is coming back!
LIVE IT OUT: Jesus went back to heaven and promised He would return. Talk about how it is important to remember that Jesus will return one day. Remind your child that it is important for Christians to tell others about Jesus so they also will know that Jesus will return one day.
Students
John 15:1-8
THE POINT: Jesus empowers us to live productive lives for God. When was a time that you realized you were too busy? How did you realize it? What steps will you take this week to remain in Jesus? Discuss the following quote:
“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”1 —Martin Luther
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Who vs. What:
• Read Colossians 3:17 with your student and talk about how we can reflect Christ through our work.
• Pray that God would be clearly seen as the motivation and strength for each task your student undertakes this week.
If he or she plans to complete Daily Reading:
• Take time to discuss the daily Scripture readings in John 15.
1. “Martin Luther > Quotes > Quotable Quote,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 16 July 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.goodreads.com/quotes/924405-the-christian-shoemaker-does-his-duty-not-byputting-little.
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